Such icons as this fine example had a dual purpose, both practical and religious. Taken on long journeys for private worship when places of public worship were scarce, the icon was also designed for "Feast days and the Exaltation of the Mother of God." The most divine of mystical events is seen at the top where God the Father gives His blessings to Christ following His Resurrection. Below,(clockwise from left to right), is the presentation of Jesus to the temple; His baptism; entrance into Jerusalem and Christ's transfiguration. We see here the skillful blending of 'real' events with the supernatural; which to the faithful, are as real as the ground we walk upon.